Loss Due To Suicide

The way we grieve our losses is impacted by many factors including: our own unique coping style, , our history of previous losses, our support systems and, the way we view the loss. The way we grieve is also impacted by the kind of loss we have had, (in other words) who died ?, and what is the nature of your relationship with that person?.

There are some common aspects to each different kind of loss. The death of my mother affects me differently than the death of your mother affects you, because we are different people. But we have some similarities in common: we might both feel like orphans, particularly if we have no other parent. Or maybe we are both struggling with difficult relationships with our siblings, now that our parent has died.

It can be helpful to look at different kinds of losses and see some of their commonalities. This helps us normalize our experience and helps us better understand what we are going through.

A death to suicide influences grief in a very traumatic way. There are so many feelings and negative beliefs that are wrapped around the grief. Guilt and uncertainty are predominant. Grievers say, “I don’t understand, how could have they done this to me.” “I must have done something wrong., that caused them to do this”

Individuals who lose loved ones to Suicide are experiencing the same kinds of severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder reactions as any sudden or violent death with an overlay of doubt about the reasons why their loved one took their own life. There are many support groups that specialize in providing support for those dealing with this kind of tragedy and it is advisable to seek professional guidance in navigating this agonizing grief process.